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i LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Chap. ... J.K-J- &b~k 
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES. 



STANDING EULES 



CONDUCTING BUSINESS 



IX THE 



SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES ^ ****'* 



REPORTED BY 



THE COMMITTEE ON RULES. 



Jam a in 11, 1884.— Adopted by the Senate, and to go into 
effect January 21, 1884. 



^WA8H\^ 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1884. 



STANDING RULES 



CONDUCTING BUSINESS IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, 



RULES. 

DAILY SESSIONS. 
EULE I. 

APPOINTMENT OF A SENATOR TO THE CHAIR. 

1. In the absence of the Vice-President, the Senate shall 
choose a President pro tempore. 

2. In the absence of the Vice-President, and pending the 
election of a President pro tempore, the Secretary of the Senate, 
or in his absence the Chief Clerk, shall perform the duties of 
the Chair. 

3. The President pro tempore shall have the right to name in 
open Senate, or, if absent, in writing, a Senator to perform the 
duties of the Chair; but such substitution shall not extend be- 
yond an adjournment, except by unanimous consent. 

EULE II. 

OATHS, ETC. 

The oaths or affirmations required by the Constitution and 
prescribed by law shall be taken and subscribed by each Sena- 
tor, in open Senate, before entering upon his duties. 

3 



4 STANBINO RULES OF THE SENATE. 

EULE III. 
COMMENCEMENT OF DAILY SESSIONS. 

1. The Presidio g Officer having takeo the chair, and a 
quorum being preseot, the Journal of the preceding day shall 
be read, aod any mistake made in the entries corrected. The 
reading of the Journal shall not be suspended unless by unani- 
mous consent; and when any motion shall be made to amend or 
correct the same, it shall be deemed a privileged question, and 
proceeded with until disposed of. 

2. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Senators duly 
chosen and sworn. 

KULE IV. 

JOURNAL. 

1. The proceedings of the Senate shall be briefly and accu- 
rately stated on the Journal. Messages of the President in full ; 
titles of bills and joint resolutions, and such parts as shall be 
affected by proposed amendments; every vote, and a brief 
statement of the contents of ench petition, memorial, or paper 
presented to the Senate, shall be entered. 

2. The legislative, the executive, the confidential legislative 
proceedings, and the proceedings when sitting as a Court of Im- 
peachment, shall each be recorded in a separate book. 

rule V: 

QUORUM — ABSENT SENATORS MAY BE SENT FOR. 

1. Xo Senator shall absent himself from the service of the 
Senate without leave. 

2. If, at any time during the daily sessions of the Senate, a 
question shall be raised by any Senator as to the presence of a 
quorum, the Presiding Officer shall forthwith direct the Secre- 
tary to call the roll and shall announce the result, and these pro- 
ceedings shall be without debate. 

3. Whenever upon such roll-call it shall be ascertained that 
a quorum is not present, a majority of the Senators present 
may direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to request, and. when neces- 
sary, to compel the attendance of the absent Senators, which 
order shall be determined without debate : and pending its ex- 
ecution, and until a quorum shall be present, no debate nor 
motion, except to adjourn, shall be in order. 



STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 5 

EULE VI. 

PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS. 

1. The presentation of the credentials of Senators elect and 
other questions of privilege shall always be in order, except 
during the reading and correction of the Journal, while a ques- 
tion of order or a motion to adjourn is pending, or while the 
Senate is dividing; and all questions and motions arising or 
made upon the presentation of such credentials shall be pro- 
ceeded with until disposed of. 

2. The Secretary shall keep a record of the certificates ot 
election of Senators by entering in a well-bound book kept for 
that purpose the date of the election, the name of the person 
elected and the vote given at the election, the date of the cer- 
tificate, the name of the governor and the secretary of state 
signing and countersigning the same, and the State from which 
such Senator is elected. 

EULE VII. 

MORNINO BUSINESS. 

1. After the Journal is read, the Presiding Officer shall lay 
before the Seuate, messages from the President, reports and 
communications from the heads of Departments, and other 
communications addressed to the Senate; and such bills, joint 
resolutions, and other messages from the House of Representa- 
tives as may remain upon his table from any previous day's 
session undisposed of. The Presiding Officer shall then call 
for, in the following order: 

"The presentation of petitions and memorials; 

" Reports of Standing and Select Committees; 

" The introduction of bills and joint resolutions ; 

" Concurrent and other resolutions ; " 
all which shall be received and disposed of in such order unless 
unanimous consent shall be otherwise given. 

2. Until the morning business shall have been concluded, 
and so announced from.the chair, or until the hour of one o'clock 
has arrived, no motion to proceed to the consideration of any 
bill, resolution, report of a committee, or other subject upon 
the Calendar shall be entertained by the Presiding Officer, un- 
less by unanimous consent; and if such consent be given the 



6 STANDING rules of the senate. 

motion shall not be subject to amendment, and shall be decided 
without debate upon the merits of the subject proposed to be 
taken up. 

3. Every petition or memorial shall be referred, without put- 
ting the question, unless objection to such reference is made ; 
in which case all motions for the reception or reference of such 
petition, memorial, or other paper shall be put in the order in 
which the same shall be made, and shall not be open to amend- 
ment, except to add instructions. 

4. Before any petition or memorial shall be received, it shall 
be signed by the petitioner or memorialist, and a brief state- 
ment of its contents made by the Presiding Officer or Senator 
presenting it. But no petition or memorial or other paper 
signed by citizens or subjects of a foreign power shall be re- 
ceived, unless the same be transmitted to the Senate by the 
President. 

EULE VIII. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

At the conclusion of the morning business for each day, unless 
upon motion the Senate shall at any time otherwise order, the 
Senate will proceed to the consideration of the Calendar of bills 
and resolutions, and continue such consideration until 2 o'clock; 
and bills and resolutions that are not objected to shall be taken 
up in their order, and each Senator shall be entitled to speak 
once and for live minutes only upon any question; and the 
objection may be interposed at any stage of the proceedings, 
but upon motion the Senate may continue such consideration; 
and this order shall commence immediately after the call for 
u concurrent and other resolutions/' and shall take precedence 
of the unfinished business and other special orders. But if the 
Senate shall proceed with the consideration of any matter not- 
withstanding an objection, the foregoing provisions touching 
debate shall not apply. 

EULE IX. 

Order of business — Continued. 

Immediately after the consideration of cases not objected to 
upon the Calendar is completed, and not later than two o'clock, 
if there shall be no special orders for that time, the Calendar 
of General Orders shall be taken up and proceeded with in its 



STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 7 

order, beginning with the first subject on the Calendar next 
after the last subject disposed of in proceeding with the Cal- 
endar ; and in such case the following motions shall be in order 
at any time as privileged motions, save as against a motion to 
adjourn, or to proceed to the consideration of Executive busi- 
ness, or questions of privilege, to wit : 

First. A motion to proceed to the consideration of an appro- 
priation or revenue bill. 

Second. A motion to proceed to the consideration of any 
other bill on the Calendar, which motion shall not be open to 
amendment. 

Third. A motion to pass over the pending subject, which, if 
carried, shall have the effect to leave such subject without prej- 
udice in its place on the Calendar. 

Fourth. A motion to place such subject at the foot of the 
Calendar. 

Each of the foregoing motions shall be decided without de- 
bate, and shall have precedence in the order above named, and 
may be submitted as in the nature and with all the rights of 
questions of order. 

EULE X. 

SPECIAL ORDERS. 

1. Any subject may, by a vote of two- thirds of the Sena- 
tors present, be made a special order : and when the time so 
fixed for its consideration arrives, the Presiding Officer shall 
lay it before the Senate unless there be unfinished business 
of the preceding day ; and if it is not finally disposed of on 
that day, it shall take its place on the Calendar of Special Or- 
ders, in the order of time at which it was made special, unless 
it shall become by adjournment the unfinished business. 

2. When two or more special orders have been made for the 
same time they shall have precedence according to the order 
in which they were severally assigned, and that order shall 
only be changed by direction of the Senate. 

RULE XI. 

OBJECTION TO READING A PAPER. 

When the reading of a paper is called for, and objected to, 
it shall be determined by a vote of the Senate, without debate. 



8 STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 

RULE XII. 

VOTING, ETC. 

1. When the yeas and Days are ordered, the names of Sena- 
tors shall be called alphabetically; and each Senator shall, 
without debate, declare his assent or dissent to the question, 
unless excused by the Senate; and no Senator shall be permit- 
ted to vote after the decision shall have been announced by the 
Presiding Officer, but may for sufficient reasons, with unani- 
mous consent, change or withdraw his vote. ]STo motion to 
suspend this rule shall be in order, nor shall the Presiding 
Officer entertain any request to suspend it by unanimous con- 
sent. 

2. When a Senator declines to vote on call of his name, he 
shall be required to assign his reasons therefor, and having as- 
signed them, the Presiding Officer shall submit the question 
to the Senate : " Shall the Senator, for the reasons assigned by 
him, be excused from voting ! " which shall be decided without 
debate ; and these proceedings shall be had after the roll-call 
and before the result is announced; and any further proceed- 
ings in reference thereto shall be after such announcement. 

RULE XIII. 

RECONSIDERATION. 

1. When a question h<as been decided by the Senate, any 
Senator voting with the prevailing side may, on the same day 
or on either of the next two days of actual session thereafter, 
move a reconsideration ; and if the Senate shall refuse to recon- 
sider, or upon reconsideration shall affirm its first decision, no 
further motion to reconsider shall be in order unless by unani- 
mous consent. Every motion to reconsider shall be decided by 
a majority vote, without debate, and may be laid on the table 
without affecting the question iu reference to which the same 
is made, which shall be a final disposition of the motion. 

2. When a bill, resolution, report, amendment, order, or 
message, upon which a vote has been taken, shall have gone 
out of the possession of the Senate, and been communicated to 
the House of Representatives, the motion to reconsider shall 
be accompanied by a motion to request the House to return the 
same; which last motion shall be acted upon immediately , and 
without debate, and if determined in the negative, shall be a 
final disposition of the motion to reconsider. 



STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 9 

RULE XIV. 

BILLS, JOINT RESOLUTIONS, AND RESOLUTIONS. 

1. Whenever a bill or joint resolution shall be offered, its in- 
troduction shall, if objected to, be postponed for one day. 

2. Every bill and joint resolution shall receive three read- 
ings previous to its passage; which readings shall be on three 
different days, unless the Senate unanimously direct otherwise; 
and the Presiding Officer shall give notice at each reading 
whether it be the first, second, or third. 

3. No bill or joint resolution shall be committed or amended 
until it shall have been twice read, after which it may be re- 
ferred to a committee ; bills and joint resolutions introduced 
on leave, and bills and joint resolutions from the House of Rep- 
resentatives, shall be read once, and may be read twice, on the 
same day, if not objected to, for reference, but shall not be con- 
sidered on that day as in Committee of the Whole, nor debated, 
except for reference, unless by unanimous consent. 

4. Every bill and joint resolution reported from a commit- 
tee, not having previously been read, shall be read once, and 
twice, if not objected to, on the same day, and placed on the 
Calendar in the order in which the same may be reported; and 
every bill and joint resolution introduced on leave, and every 
bill and joint resolution of the House of Representatives which 
shall have received a first and second reading without being 
referred to a committee, shall, if objection be made to further 
proceeding thereon, be placed on the Calendar. 

5. All resolutions shall lie over one day for consideration 
unless by unanimous consent the Senate shall otherwise direct. 

RULE XV. 

BILLS — COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. 

1. All bills and joint resolutions which shall have received 
two readings shall first be considered by the Senate as in 
Committee of the Whole, after which they shall be reported to 
the Senate; and any amendments made in Committee of the 
Whole shall again be considered by the Senate, after which 
further amendments may be proposed. 

2. When a bill or resolution shall have been ordered to be 
read a third time, it shall not be in order to i>ropose amend- 
ments, unless by unanimous consent, but it shall be in order at 
any time before the passage of any bill or resolution, to move 



10 STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 

its commitment; and when the bill or resolution shall again be 
reported from the committee, it shall be placed on the Calendar, 
and when again considered by the Senate, it shall be as in Com- 
mittee of the Whole. 

3. Whenever a private bill is under consideration, it shall be 
in order to move, as a substitute for it, a resolution of the Senate 
referring the case to the Court of Claims, under the provisions 
of the act approved March 3, 1883. 

RULE XVI. 

AMENDMENTS TO APPROPRIATION BILLS. 

1. All general appropriation bills shall be referred to the 
Committee on Appropriations, except bills making appropria- 
tions for rivers and harbors, which shall be referred to the Com- 
mittee on Commerce; and no amendments shall be received to 
any general appropriation bill, the effect of which will be to in- 
crease an appropriation already contained in the bill, or to add 
a new item of appropriation, unless it be made to carry out the 
provisions of some existing law, or treaty stipulation, or act, 
or resolution previously passed by the Senate during that ses- 
sion ; or unless the same be moved by direction of a standing 
or select committee of the Senate, or proposed in pursuance of 
an estimate of the head of some one of the Departments. 

2. All amendments to general appropriation bills moved by 
direction of a standing or select committee of the Senate, pro- 
posing to increase an appropriation already contained in the 
bill, or to add new items of appropriation, shall, at least one 
day before they are considered, be referred to the Committee 
on Appropriations, and when actually proposed to the bill, no 
amendment proposing to increase the amount stated in such 
amendment shall be received ; in like manner amendments pro- 
posing new items of appropriation to river and harbor bills 
shall, before being considered, be referred to the Committee on 
Commerce ; also amendments to bills establishing post-roads, 
proposing new post-roads, shall, before being considered, be 
referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post- Roads. 

3. No amendment which proposes general legislation shall 
be received to an}- general appropriation bill, nor shall any 
amendment not germane or relevant to the subject-matter con- 
tained in the bill be received ; nor shall any amendment to any 
item or clause of such bill be received which does not directly 



STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 11 

relate thereto; and all questions of relevancy of amendments 
under this rule, when raised, shall be submitted to the Senate 
and be decided without debate ; and any amendment to a general 
appropriation bill may be laid on the table without prejudice 
to the bill. 

4. No amendment, the object of which is to provide for a 
private claim, shall be received to any general appropriation 
bill, unless it be to carry out the provisions of an existing 
law or a treaty stipulation, which shall be cited on the face of 
the amendment. 

RULE XVII. 

AMENDMENT MAY BE LAID ON THE TABLE WITHOUT PREJU- 
DICE TO THE BILL. 

When an amendment proposed to any pending measure is 
laid on the table it shall not carry with it, or prejudice, such 
measure. 

BITLE XVIII. 

AMENDMENTS— DIVISION OF A QUESTION. 

If the question in debate contains several propositions, any 
Senator may have the same divided, except a motion to strike 
out and insert, which shall not be divided ; but the rejection of 
a motion to strike out and insert one proposition shall not pre- 
vent a motion to strike out and insert a different proposition ; 
nor shall it prevent a motion simply to strike out; nor shall 
the rejection of a motion to strike out prevent a motion to strike 
out and insert. But pending a motion to strike out and insert, 
the part to be stricken out and the part to be inserted shall 
each be regarded for the purpose of amendment as a question; 
and motions to amend the part to be stricken out shall have 
precedence. 

EULE XIX. 

DEBATE. 

1. When a Senator desires to speak he shall rise and address 
the Presiding Officer, and shall not proceed until he is recog- 
nized, and the Presiding Officer shall recognize the Senator who 
shall first address him. Xo Senator shall interrupt another 
Senator in debate without his consent, and to obtain such con- 
sent he shall first address the Presiding Officer ; and no Sena- 
tor shall speak more than twice upon any one question in debate 



12 STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 

on the same day without leave of the Senate ; which shall be 
determined without debate. 

2. If any Senator, in speaking or otherwise, transgress the 
rules of the Senate, the Presiding Officer shall, or any Senator 
may, call him to order; and when a Senator shall be called to 
order he shall sit down, and not proceed without leave of the 
Senate, which, if granted, shall be upon motion that he be 
allowed to proceed in order ; which motion shall be determined 
without debate. 

3. If a Senator be called to order for words spoken in debate, 
upon the demand of the Senator or of any other Senator the ex- 
ceptionable words shall be taken down in writing, and read at 
the table for the information of the Senate. , 

EULE XX. 

QUESTIONS OF OKDEE. 

1. A question of order may be raised at any stage of the pro- 
ceedings, except when the Senate is dividing, and, uuless sub- 
mitted to the Senate, shall be decided by the Presiding Officer 
without debate, subject to an appeal to the Senate ; when an 
appeal is taken any subsequent question of order, which may 
arise before the decision of such appeal, shall be decided by 
the Presiding Officer without debate ; and every appeal there- 
from shall be decided at once, and without debate; and any 
appeal may be laid on the table without prejudice to the pend- 
ing proposition, and thereupon shall be held as affirming the 
decision of the Presiding Officer. 

2. The Presiding Officer may submit any question of order 
for the decision of the Senate. 

EULE XXI. 

MOTIONS. 

1 All motions shall be reduced to writing, if desired by the 
Presiding Officer or by any Senator, and shall be read before 
the same shall be debated. 

2. Any motion or resolution may be withdrawn or modified 
by the mover at any time before a decision, amendment, or 
ordering of the yeas and nays, except a motion to reconsider, 
which shall not be withdrawn without leave. 



STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 13 

RULE XXII. 

PRECEDENCE OF MOTIONS. 

When a question is pending no motion shall be received 
but— 

To adjourn, 

To adjourn to a day certain, or that when the Senate adjourn, 
it shall be to a day certain, 

To take a recess, 

To proceed to the consideration of executive business, 

To lay on the table, 

To postpone indefinitely, 

To postpone to a day certain, 

To commit, 

To amend ; 
which several motions shall have precedence as they stand ar- 
ranged $ and the motions relating to adjournment, to take a 
recess, to proceed to the consideration of executive business, 
to lay on the table, shall be decided without debate. 

RULE XXIII. 

PREAMBLES. 

When a bill or resolution is accompanied by a preamble, the 
question shall first be put on the bill or resolution and then on 
the preamble, which may be withdrawn by a mover before an 
amendment of the same, or ordering of the yeas and nays ; or 
it may be laid on the table without prejudice to the bill or res- 
olution, and shall be a final disposition of such preamble. 

RULE XX IV. 

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. 

1. Iu the appointment of the standing committees, the Sen- 
ate, unless otherwise ordered, shall proceed by ballot to appoint 
severally the chairman of each committee, and then, by one 
ballot, the other members necessary to complete the same. A 
majority of the whole number of votes given shall be necessary 
to the choice of a chairman of a standing committee, but a plu- 
rality of votes shall elect the other members thereof. All other 
committees shall be appointed by ballot, unless otherwise 
ordered, and a plurality of votes shall appoint. 



14 STAXDDfG RrXES OF THE SKHATK. 

2. When a chairman of a committee shall resign or cease to 
eon a committee, and the Presiding Officer be authorized 
by the Senate to fill the vacancy in snch committee, unless 
specially otherwise ordered, it shall be only to fill np the num- 
ber on the committee. 

BITE XXV. 

_>DLXG C030nTTKKS. 

1. The following standing committees shall be appointed at 
the commencement of each Congress, with leave to report by 
bill or otherw 

A Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, to consist of nine 
Senators. 

A Committee on Appropriations, to consist of nine Senators. 

A Committee to Audit and Control the Contingent Expenses 

of the Senate, to cousist of three Senators, to which shall be 

referred all resolutions directing the payment of money out of 

the contingent fund of the Senate, or creating a charge upon 

me. 

A Committee "ii Civil Service and Retrenchment, to consist 
of nine Senators. 

A Committee on Claims, to consist of nine Senators. 

mmittee on Commerce, to cousist of eleven Senators. 

A Committee on the District of Columbia, to consist of nine 
Senators 

A Committee on Education and Labor, to consist of nine 
Senators. 

A Committee on Engrossed Bills, to consist of three Sena: 
which shall examine all bills, amendments, and joint resolutions 
before they go out of the possession of the Senate. 

A Committee on Enrolled Bills, to consist of three Senators, 
which shall have power to act jointly with the same committee 
of the House of Representatives, and which, or some one of 
which, shall examine all bills or joiut resolutions which shall 
have passed both Houses, to see that the same are correctly 
enrolled, and, when signed by the Speaker of the House and 
-Ideut of the Senate, shall forthwith present the same, when 
rhey shall have originated in the Senate, to the President of 
the United States in person, and report the fact and date of 
such presentation to the Senate. 

A Committee on Epidemic Diseases, to consist of seven Sen- 



STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 15 

A Committee to Examine the Several Branches of the Civil 
Service, to consist of five Senators. 

A Committee on Expenditures of Public Money, to consist 
of seven Senators, which shall consider such measures tending 
to economy in public expenditures as shall be referred to it, and 
conduct all investigations into the expenditure of public money 
which shall be ordered by the Senate, unless the Senate shall 
otherwise direct. 

A Committee on Finance, to consist of eleven Senators. 

A Committee on Fisheries, to consist of seven Senators, to 
which shall be referred all matters relating to fish and fisheries. 

A Committee on Foreign Relations, to consist of nine Sena- 
tors. 

A Committee on the Improvement of the Mississippi River, 
to consist of seven Senators. 

A Committee on Indian Affairs, to consist of nine Senators. 

A Committee on the Judiciary, to consist of nine Senators. 

A Committee on the Library, to consist of three Senators, 
which shall have power to act jointly with the same committee 
of the House of Representatives. 

A Committee on Manufactures, to consist of seven Senators. 

A Committee on Military Affairs, to consist of nine Senators. 

A Committee on Mines and Mining, to consist of seven Sen- 
ators. 

A Committee on Kaval Affairs, to consist of nine Senators. 

A Committee on Patents, to consist of seven Senators. 

A Committee on Pensions, to consist of nine Senators. 

A Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads, to consist of 
nine Senators. 

A Committee on Printing, to consist ot three Senators, which 
shall have power to act jointly with the same committee of 
the House of Representatives. 

A Committee on Private Land Claims, to consist of five Sen- 
ators. 

A Committee on Privileges and Elections, to consist of nine 
Senators. 

A Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, to consist of 
five Senators, which shall have power to act jointly with the 
same committee of the House of Representatives. 

A Committee on Public Lands, to cousist of nine Senators. 

A Committee on Railroads, to consist of eleven Senators. 

A Committee on the Revision of the Laws of the United 
States, to consist of five Senators. 



16 STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 

A Committee on Revolutionary Claims, to consist of five Sen- 
ators. 

A Committee on Rules, to consist of five Senators. 

A Committee on Territories, to consist of nine Senators. 

A Committee ou Transportation Routes to the Seaboard, to 
consist of seven Senators. 

2. The Committees to Audit and Control the Contingent 
Expenses of the Senate, on Printing, and on the Library shall 
continue and have power to act until their successors are ap- 
pointed. 

RULE XXVI. 



REPORTS OF COMMITTEES TO LIE OVER. 

1. When motions are made for reference of a subject to a 
select committee, or to a standing committee, the question of 
reference to a standing committee shall be put first; and a 
motion simply to refer shall not be open to amendment, except 
to add instructions. 

2. All reports of committees and motions to discharge a 
committee from the consideration of a subject, and all subjects 
from which a committee shall be discharged, shall lie over one 
day for consideration, unless by uuanimous consent the Senate 
shall otherwise direct. 

RULE XXVLI. 

REPORTS OF CONFERENCE COMMITTEES. 

The presentation of reports of committees of conference shall 
always be in order, except when the Journal is being read or a 
question of order or a motion to adjourn is pending, or while 
the Senate is dividing; and whet) received, the question of pro- 
ceeding to the consideration of the report, if raised, shall be 
immediately put, and shall be determined without debate. 

RULE XXVIII. 

MESSAGES. 

1. Messages from the President of the United States or 
from the House of Representatives may be received at any 
stage of proceedings, except while the Senate is dividing, or 
wiiile the Journal is being read, or while a question of order 
or a motion to adjourn is pending. 



STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 17 

2. Messages shall be seDt to the House of Kepresentatives 
by the Secretary, who shall previously certify the determina- 
tion of the Senate upon all bills, joint resolutions, and other 
resolutions which may be communicated to the House, or in 
which its concurrence may be requested ; and the Secretary 
shall also certify and deliver to the President of the United 
States all resolutions and other communications which may be 
directed to him by the Senate. 

EULE XXIX. 

PRINTING OF PAPERS, ETC. 

1. Every motion to print documents, reports, and other mat- 
ter transmitted by either of the Executive Departments, or to 
print memorials, petitions, accompanying documents, or any 
other paper, except bills of the Senate or House of Kepre- 
sentatives, resolutions submitted by a Senator, communications 
from the legislatures or conventions, lawfully called, of the re- 
spective States, and motions to print by order of the standing 
or select committees of the Senate, shall, unless the Senate 
otherwise order, be referred to the Committee on Printing. 
When a motion is made to commit with instructions, it shall 
be in order to add thereto a motion to print. 

2. Motions to print additional numbers shall also be re- 
ferred to the Committee on Printing ; and when the committee 
shall report favorably the report shall be accompanied by an 
estimate of the probable cost thereof; and when the cost of 
printing such additional numbers shall exceed the sum of five 
hundred dollars, the concurrence of the House of Kepresenta- 
tives shall be necessary for an order to print the same. 

3. Every bill and joint resolution introduced on leave or 
reported from a committee, and all bills and joint resolutions 
received from the House of Kepresentatives, and all reports of 
committees shall be printed, unless, for the dispatch of the 
business of the Senate, such printing may be dispensed with. 

KULE XXX. 

WITHDRAWAL OF PAPERS. 

1. Xo memorial or other paper presented to the Senate, ex- 
cept original treaties finally acted upon, shall be withdrawn 
from its files except by order of the Senate. But when an act 

2 S R 



STAUDLNG BULKS OV THE -SENATE. 

may pass for ri any private claim. tL 

tary is authorized to Transmit to the aarged with the 

-merit th - on file relating to the claim. 

2. Xo memorial or other paper npon which an adverse re- 
port has been made shall be withdrawn from the tiles of the 
ate unle- thereof shall be left iu the office of the 

retary. 

EULE XXXI. 

EEEEEEYCE OB CLAIMS ADYEESELY EEPOETED. 

TVkenever a committee of the Senate, to whom any claim 
has been referred, report- sely, and the i _:eed 

to, it shall not be in orde e to take the papers from the 

riles for the purpose of referring them at a subsequent session, 
unless the claimant shall present a pevr r ing 

that new evidence has be -:nce the report, arid 

setting forth the substance of such newevide: 

EULE XXXII. 

BYSEVE FROM SE ] SESS1 

At the second or any subsequent session of a Congress. 
legislative business of the Senate which remained undeter- 
mined at the I the next preceding session of that Con- 
gress shall be resumed and proceeded with in the same manner 
as if no adjournment of the Senate had taken place: and all 
papers r- to committees and l ipon at the 
close of a session of Congress shall be returned to the office of 
the Secretary of the Senate, and be retained by him until 
next succeeding session of that Congress, when they shall be 
returned to the several committees to which they had pre- 
viously been referred. 

EULE XXXIII. 

PEIYIEEGE OE THE ELOOE. 

1. No person shall be admitted to the floor of the Senate 

while in session, except as folio 
The orr "he SemY 

Members of the House of Eepresenra:ive>. The Sergeant 

-. and the Clerk of the House. 
The President of the United States, and his priva r ry , 



STANDING RTTEEs OF THE SENATE. 19 

The heads of Departments. 

Ministers of the United States. 

Foreign ministers. 

Ex-Presidents and ex- Vice-Presidents of the United States. 

Ex-Senators and Senators-elect. 

Judges of the Supreme Court. 

Governors of States and Territories. 

General of the Army. 

Admiral of the Navy. 

Members of national legislatures of foreign countries. 

Private secretaries of Senators, duly appointed in writing; 
and the Librarian of Congress, and the Assistant Librarian in 
charge of the Law Library. 

Hon. George Bancroft. 

Judges of the Court of Claims. 

The Architect of the Capitol extension. 

2. No person shall be admitted to the floor as private secre- 
tary of a Senator until the Senator appointing him shall certify 
in writing to the Sergeant-at-Arms that he is actually employed 
for the performance of the duties of such secretary, and is en- 
gaged in the performance of the same. 

EULE XXXIV. 

REGULATION OF THE SENATE WING OF THE CAPITOL. 

1. The Senate Chamber shall not be granted for any other 
purpose than for the use of the Senate. 

2. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Rules to make 
all rules and regulations respecting such parts of the Capitol, 
its passages and galleries, including the restaurant, as are or 
may be set apart for the use of the Senate and its officers, to 
be enforced under the direction of the Presiding Officer. They 
shall, at the opening of each session of Congress, make such 
regulations respecting the reporters' gallery of the Senate as 
will confine its occupation to bona fide reporters for daily news- 
papers, assigning not to exceed one seat to each paper. 

RULE XXXV. 

SESSION WITH CLOSED DOORS. 

On a motion made and seconded to close the doors of the 
Senate, on the discussion of any business which may, in the 



20 STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 

opinion of a Senator, require secrecy, the Presiding- Officer 
shall direct the galleries to be cleared; and during the dis- 
cussion of such motion the doors shall remain closed. 

EULE XXXVI. 

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS. 

1. When the President of the United States shall meet the 
Senate in the Senate Chamber for the consideration of Execu- 
tive business, he shall have a seat on the right of the Presiding 
Officer. When the Senate shall be convened by tbe President 
of the United States to any other place, the Presiding Officer 
of the Senate and the Senators shall attend at the place ap- 
pointed, with the necessary officers of the Senate. 

2. When acting upon confidential or Executive busiuess the 
Senate Chamber shall be cleared of all persons except the Sec- 
retary, the Chief Clerk, the Principal Legislative Clerk, the 
Executive Clerk, the Minute and Journal Clerk, the Sergeant- 
at-Arms, the Assistant Doorkeeper, and such other officers as 
the Presiding Officer shall think necessary; and all such offi- 
cers shall be sworn to secrecy. 

3. All confidential communications made by the President 
of the United States to the Senate shall be by the Senators 
and the officers of the Senate kept secret; and all treaties 
which may be laid before the Senate, and all remarks, votes, 
and proceedings thereon shall also be kept secret until the 
Senate shall, by their resolution, take off the injunction of 
secrecy. 

4. Any Senator or officer of the Senate who shall disclose 
the secret or confidential business or proceedings of the Senate 
shall be liable, if a Senator, to suffer expulsion from the body: 
and if an officer, to dismissal from the service of the Senate, 
and to punishment for contempt. 

KDLE XXXVII. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION — PROCEEDINGS ON TREATIES. 

1. When a treaty shall be laid before the Senate for ratifica- 
tion it shall be read a first time; and no motion in respect to it 
shall be in order, except to refer it to a committee, or to print 
it, in confidence, for the use of the Senate. 

When a treaty is reported from a committee with or without 
amendment it shall, unless the Senate unanimously otherwise 



STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 21 

direct, lie one day for consideration ; after which it may be read 
a second time and considered as in Committee of the Whole, 
when it shall be proceeded with by articles, aud the amend- 
ments reported by the committee shall be first acted upon, 
after which other amendments may be proposed ; and when 
through with, the proceedings had as in Committee of the 
Whole shall be reported to the Senate, when the question shall 
be, if the treaty be amended, "Will the Senate concur in the 
amendments made in Committee of the Whole?" And the 
amendments may be taken separately, or in gross, if no Senator 
shall object; after which new amendments may be proposed. 

The decisions thus made shall be reduced to the form of a 
resolution of ratification, with or without amendments as the 
case may be; which shall be proposed on a subsequent day, 
unless, by unanimous consent, the Senate determine otherwise; 
at which stage no amendment shall be received, unless by 
unanimous consent. 

On the final question to advise and consent to the ratification 
in the form agreed to, the concurrence of two-thirds of the Sen- 
ators present shall be necessary to determine it in the affirma- 
tive; but all other motions and questions upon a treaty shall 
be decided by a majority vote, except a motion to postpone in- 
definitely, which shall be decided by a vote of two-thirds. 

2. Treaties transmitted by the President to the Senate for 
ratification shall be resumed at the second or any subsequent 
session of the same Congress at the stage in which they were 
left at the final adjournment of the session at which they were 
transmitted; but all proceedings on treaties shall terminate 
with the Congress, and they shall be resumed at the commence- 
ment of the next Congress, as if no proceedings had previously 
been had thereon. 

3. All treaties concluded with Indian tribes shall be con- 
sidered and acted upon by the Senate in its open or legislative 
session, unless the same shall be transmitted by the President 
to the Senate in confidence; in which case they shall be acted 
upon with closed doors. 

KULE XXXVIII. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION — PROCEEDINGS ON NOMINATIONS. 

1. When nominations shall be made b} r the President of the 
United States to the Senate, they shall, unless otherwise ordered, 



22 STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 

be referred to appropriate committees; and the final question on 
every nomination shall be, "Will the Senate advise and con- 
sent to this nomination?" which question shall not be put on 
the same day on which the nomination is received, nor on the 
day on which it may be reported by a committee, unless by 
unanimous consent. 

2. All information communicated or remarks made by a 
Senator when acting upon nominations, concerning the char- 
acter or qualifications of the person nominated, also all votes 
upon any nomination, shall be kept secret. If, however, charges 
shall be made against a person nominated, the committee may, 
in its discretion, notify such nominee thereof, but the name of 
the person making such charges shall not be disclosed. The 
fact that a nomination has been made, or that it has been con- 
firmed or rejected, shall not be regarded as a secret. 

3. When a nomination is confirmed or rejected, any Senator 
voting in the majority may move for a reconsideration on the same 
day on which the vote was taken, or on either of the next two 
days of actual executive session of the Senate; but if a notifi- 
cation of the confirmation or rejection of a nomination shall 
have been sent to the President before the expiration of the 
time within which a motion to reconsider may be made, the mo- 
tion to reconsider shall be accompanied by a motion to request 
the President to return such notification to the Senate. Any 
motion to reconsider the vote on a nomination may be laid on 
the table without prejudice to the nomination, and shall be a 
final disposition of such motion. 

4. Nominations confirmed or rejected by the Senate shall 
not be returned by the Secretary to the President until the ex- 
piration of the time limited for making a motion to reconsider 
the same, or while a motion to reconsider is pending, unless 
otherwise ordered by the Senate. 

5. When the Senate shall adjourn or take a recess for more 
than thirty days, all motions to reconsider a vote upon a nom- 
ination which has been confirmed or rejected by the Senate, 
which shall be pending at the time of taking such adjournment 
or recess, shall fall ; and the Secretary shall return all such 
nominations to the Presideut as confirmed or rejected by the 
Senate, as the case may be. 

6. Nominations neither confirmed nor rejected during the 
session at which they are made shall not be acted upon at any 
succeeding session without being again made to the Senate by 



STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE. 23 

the President; and if the Senate shall adjourn or take a recess 
for more than thirty days, all nominations pending and not 
finally acted upon at the time of taking such adjournment or 
recess shall be returned by the Secretary to the President, and 
shall not again be considered unless they shall again be made 
to the Senate by the President. 

RULE XXXIX. 

THE PRESIDENT FURNISHED WITH COPIES OF RECORDS OF 
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS. 

The President of the United States shall, from time to time, 
be furnished with an authenticated transcript of the executive 
records of the Senate, but no further extract from the Execu- 
tive Journal shall be furnished by the Secretary, except by 
special order of the Senate; and no paper, except original 
treaties transmitted to the Senate by the President of the 
United States, and finally acted upon by the Senate, shall be 
delivered from the office of the Secretary without an order of 
the Senate for that purpose. 

RULE XL. 

SUSPENSION AND AMENDMENT OF THE RULES. 

Xo motion to suspend, modify, or amend any rule, or any 
part thereof, shall be in order, except on one day's notice in 
writiug, specifying precisely the rule or part proposed to be sus- 
pended, modified, or amended, and the purpose thereof. Any 
rule may be suspended without notice by the unanimous con- 
sent of the Senate, except as otherwise provided in clause 1, 
Rule 12. 



INDEX TO THE RULES. 



A. 

Page. Rule. Clause 

Absent himself from the service of the Senate without leave. No 

Senator shall 4 5 1 

Absent Senators. Less than a quorum may request or compel 

the attendance of 4 5 3 

Additional numbers of a document shall be referred to the Com- 
mittee on Printing. All motions to print 17 29 2 

Where the cost shall exceed five hundred dollars, the con- 
currence of the House of Representatives shall be neces- 
sary 17 29 2 

Adjourn. A motion to, shall have precedence of all other "mo- 
tions 13 22 — 

Adjourn to a day certain shall be second in the order of prece- 
dence of motions. A motion to 13 22 — 

Admission to the floor of the Senate. Persons entitled to 18 33 — 

Amendment, when proposed to any pending measure, is laid on 
the table, it shall not carry with it or prejudice such 

measure 11 17 — 

When a question is pending, a motion may be made to 

amend 13 22 — 

Amendments. When a question contains several points, a divis- 
ion may be called for 11 18 — 

But amotion to strike out and insert shall not be divided. 11 18 — 
Rejection of a motion to strike out and insert shall not 

prevent a motion simply to strike out 11 18 — 

Nor shall the rejection of a motion to strike out prevent a 

motion to strike out and insert 11 18 — 

In a motion to strike out and insert, the part to be stricken 
out and the part to be inserted shall each be regarded as 

a question for 11 18 — 

It shall not be in order on the third reading of a bill to 

offer an amendment except by unanimous cousent 9 15 2 

Amendments to general appropriation bills. No amendment shall 
be received which will increase an appropriation in the 

bill,unless. 10 16 1 

No amendment adding a new item to the bill, unless to 
carry out existing law or treaty stipulation, shall be re- 
ceived 10 16 1 

Amendments must be moved by direction of a committee 
or in pursuance of an estimate of the head of a Depart- 
ment 10 16 1 



26 INDEX TO THE RULES. 

Page. Rule. Clause. 

Amendments to gent red appropriation bills. All amendments 
moved by direction of a committee must be referred one 
day before being offered to tbe Committee on Appropria- 
tions 10 16 2 

No amendment to an amendment increasing tbe appropria- 
tion therein sball be received 10 16 2 

" Amendments to river and harbor bills sball also be referred 

before being offered 10 16 2 

Amendments to post-road bills sball also be referred before 

beingoffered 10 16 2 

No amendment proposing general legislation sball be re- 
ceived.. 10 16 3 

Xo ameudment n -t relevant or germane to the subject- 
matter of the bill shall be received 10 16 3 

An amendment to a general appropriation bill may be laid 

on the table 11 16 3 

No amendment to provide for a private claim shall be re- 
ceived, unless 11 16 4 

Amendments to treaties shall be determined by a majority vote. 

All questions of 21 37 1 

Anthony rule. Known as the 6 8 — 

Appeals in questions of order. Every question of order decided 

by the Chair shall be subject to an appeal to the Senate. 12 20 1 
When an appeal is pending, any question of order or ap- 
peal that may afterward arise shall be decided without 

debate 12 20 1 

If an appeal be laid on the table, it shall be held as affirm- 
ing the decision of the Chair 12 20 1 

Appropriation bills. (See General appropriation bills.) 
Attendance of absent Senators. The Sergeant-at-Arn\s may be 

directed to request, and, if necessary, compel the 4 5 3 

B. 

Ballot. The chairman and members of the standing commit- 
tees shall be appointed by 13 24 1 

A majority shall choose a chairman, and a plurality the 

other members of a standing committee 13 24 1 

Bills and joint resolutions. Order in which the Chair shall call 

for, in tbe morning hour 5 7 1 

Bills and resolutions, not objected to, to be taken up in 

their order 6 8 — 

To proceed to the consideration of, on tbe Calendar out of 

regular order a privileged motion 7 9 — 

Whenever offered their introduction sball, if objected to, 
be postponed for one day 9 14 1 

When presented may be postponed one day unless by unan- 
imous consent 9 14 1 

Shall have three several readings before passage, which 
shall be on three different days unless by unanimous con- 
sent 9 14 2 

May be read twice on the same day for reference only 9 14 3 



INDEX TO THE RULES. 27 

Page. Rule. Clause 

Bills and joint resolutions. If not referred, they shall not he 
considered as in Committee of the Whole, nor dehated 

if objected to, hut shall go on the Calendar 9 14 4 

All bills and joint resolutions reported from a committee 

shall also go on the Calendar 9 14 4 

Before amendment shall be considered as in Committee of 

the Whole. 9 15 1 

When ordered to a third reading they shall not be open to 

amendment unless by unanimous consent 9 15 2 

But may be committed before the question is put upon the 

passage 9 15 2 

If committed when reported shall again go on the Calen- 
dar as bills in Committee of the Whole 10 15 2 

May be accompanied by a preamble, which may be with- 
drawn, or laid on the table 13 23 

Bills. General appropriation hills. All general appropriation 
bills shall he referred to the Committee on Appropria- 
tions, except river and harbor 10 16 1 

Limitations to amendments which may be proposed to . . . 10 16 1-4 
Amendments proposing new items of appropriation shall 

before being offered be referred 10 16 2 

Bills making appropriations for rivers and harbors shall be 

referred to the Committee on Commerce 10 16 1 

No amendment proposing general legislation shall be pro- 
posed to any general appropriation bill 10 16 3 

No amendment to provide for a private claim shall be 

offered unless to carry out existing law 11 16 4 

Bills, private, may be referred to the Court of Claims 10 15 3 

Business of the morning hoar, order of 5 7 1 

Business of the Senate continued from session to session. The 

legislative 18 32 

C. 

Calendar of general orders. At the expiration of the morning 

business, the Senate shall take up the ..^ 6 8, 9 — 

Subjects on the Calendar to be taken up in their order 6 8,9 - 

Every bill and joint resolution reported from a committee, 
and bills and joint resolutions from the House of Repre- 
sentatives, read twice but not referred, shall be placed on 
the 9 14 4 

To proceed to the consideration of any other bill on the, 
out of its order, a privileged motion 7 9 — 

To pass over the pending subject on the, a privileged mo- 
tion 7 9 — 

To place pending subject at the foot of the, a privileged mo- 
tion , 7 9 — 

Call of the Senate. When a question is raised as to the presence 

of a quorum, the Chair shall direct the roll to be called. 4 5 2 
Capitol building. The Senate wing of the Capitol building, its 
corridors and passages, to be under the control of the 
Committee on Rules 19 34 2 



28 INDEX TO THE RULES. 

Page. Rule. Clause. 

Certificates of election of Senators to be recorded in well-bound 

book 5 6 2 

Chief Clerk, when to perform duties of the Chair 3 1 2 

Claims rejected by the Senate cannot be again referred unless 

new evidence be presented 18 31 — 

Claims adversely reported on cannot be withdrawn without 

leaving copies. Petitions and papers relating to private. IS 30 2 
Claitns, the papers may be sent to the proper officer by the Sec- 
retary. Where acts have passed for private 17 30 1 

Closed doors. On the discussion of a subject which may require 

secrecy, the galleries shall be cleared and the doors closed. 19 35 — 
Commit. After the third reading and before the passage of a 

bill a motion may be made to 9 15 2 

When a question is pending, the order stated in which a 

motion may be made to 13 22 — 

A motion to commit not open to amendment except to add 

instructions 16 26 1 

Committee of the Whole. All bills and joint resolutions shall, be- 
fore passage, be first considered as in 9 15 1 

When a bill is recommended and again reported, it shall 

be again taken up as in. 10 15 2 

Treaties when acted upon iu executive session shall be first 

considered as in 21 37 1 

Committee on Rubs, to have control of Senate wing of the Capi- 
tol building, its corridors, &c 19 34 2 

Committees. Order in which the Chair shail call for reports of. 5 7 1 
Thestandingcommittees, unless otherwise ordered, shallbe 

appointed by ballot 13 24 1 

A majority of votes necessary to the choice of a chairman. 13 24 1 
Select committees and the residue of the standing commit- 
tees may be choseu by a plurality 13 24 1 

Vacancies in committees when filled shall be only to fill up 

the number of members 14 24 2 

Enumeration of thestandiug committees to be appointed 

at the commencement of each session 14-16 25 1 

Amotion to refer to a standing committee shall take pre- 
cedence of a motion to refer to a select committee 16 26 1 

A motion to refer shall not be open to amendment, except 

to add instructions 16 26 1 

All reportsof committees shalllie one day for consideration. 16 26 2 
Committee* to audit and control the contingent expenses of the 
Senate, on printing, and on the Library shall continue and 
have power to act until their successors are appointed.. 16 25 2 
Committees of conference. Reports of c mimittees of conference 
shall be always in order, except, &c, and the vuestion of 
their consideration shall be immediately put without de- 
late 16 27 — 

Concurrent and other resolutions. Order in which the Chair shall 

call for, in the morning hour 5 7 1 



INDEX TO THE RULES. 29 

Page. Rule. Clause. 

Conference. Reports of committees of conference shall always 
be in order, and the question of their consideration be 

immediately put without debate 16 27 — 

Confidential communications from the President, and all treaties, 

proceedings, and remarks thereon, shall be kept secret. 20 37 1 
Confidential business of the Senate. Penalties for disclosing the. 20 36 4 
Contingent fund of the Senate shall be referred to the Commit- 
tee on Contingent Expenses. All resolutions for the pay- 
ment of money from the 14 25 1 

Court of Claims. To refer private bills to the 10 15 3 

Credentials of Senators-elect shall always be in order, and be 
proceeded with until disposed of by the Senate. The 
presentation of 5 6 1 

D. 

Daily sessions. Commencement of 4 3 — 

Day certain. When a question *is pending a motion may be 

made to postpone to a 13 22 — 

Debate. If a Senator in speaking-, or otherwise, transgress the 
rules, the Presiding Officer shall, or any Senator may, 
call him to order 12 19 2 

When called to order he shall sit down, and shall not pro- 

ceed'without leave of the Senate 12 19 2 

If leave be granted to proceed, it shall be on motion', and 
determined without 12 19 2 

If a Senator be called to order for words spoken in debate, 
the exceptionable words, if required, shall be taken 12 19 3 

The Presiding Officer shall name the Senator who is to 
speak, who, in all cases, shall be the Senator who shall 
first address the Chair 11 19 1 

No Senator shall interrupt another without his consent, to 

obtain which he shall first address the Chair 11 19 1 

No Senator shall speak more than twice on any one ques- 
tion on the same day without leave of the Senate, to be 
determined without debate 11 19 1 

Upon the merits of the question. A motion to take up a 

subject shall be decided without debate 6 7 2 

No Senator to speak but once, and for five minutes only, on 

bills and resolutions upon the Calendar not objected to. 6 8 — 
Decision is announced. No Senator shall, under any circum- 
stances, be permitted to vote after a ' 8 12 1 

But he may, for special reasons, by unanimous consent, 

change or withdraw his vote after a 8 12 1 

Any motion or resolution may be withdrawn, except a 
motion to reconsider before an amendment, ordering the 

yeas and nays, or before a 12 21 2 

Discharge of a committee. A motion to discharge a committee 

from a subject shall lie one day for consideration 16 26 2 

All subjects from which a committee shall be discharged 

shall also lie one day for consideration 16 26 2 



30 IXDEX TO THE ETLES. 

Page. Rule, Clause, 

Division of a question. If the question in debate contain several 

points, any Senator may have the same divided 11 15 — 

A motion to strike out and insert shall not he divided 11 18 — 

Doors to be closed. On the discussion of any business which may 
in the opinion of a Senator require secrecy, upon a motion 
made the Presiding Officer shall direct the 19 35 — 

E. 

Exceptionable words shall be taken down. If a Senator be 

called to order for words spoken in debate, the 1*2 19 3 

Excused from, voting. In calling the yeas and nays, each Sena- 
tor, vtrhen his named is called, shall answer without de- 
bate, unless for special reasons he be 8 12 1 

When reasons shall be assigned for not voting, their suffi- 
ciency shall be determined without debate 5 12 2 

These proceedings shall be after the roll is called, and be- 
fore the decision is announced S 12 2 

Executive business shall be decided without debate. A motion 

to proceed to consideration of 13 22 — 

The President shall have a seat on the right of the Chair 

when he shall meet the Senate in 20 36 1 

The Senate shall be cleared of all persons except the offi- 
cers in attendance (who shall be sworn to secrecy ) when 

in 20 36 2 

All confidential communications made by the President, 
and all treaties, and remarks, votes, and proceedings 

thereon, shall be kept secret 20 36 3 

Any person who shall disclose the secret proceedings of the 
Senate shall, if a Senator, be liable to expulsion; if an 

officer, to dismissal 20 36 4 

Proceedings upon treaties. (See Treaties.) 
Proceedings upon nominations. (See Nomination 
Executive record. The President shall, from time to time, be 

furnished with an authenticated transcript of the 23 

Xo further extracts shall be furnished by the Secretary 

without an order of the Senate 23 

Executive proceedings of the Senate shall be kept in a separate 

book 4 

Extra copies of documents shall be referred to the Committee 

on Printing. Motion to print IT 

When the cost of additional copies shall exceed rive hun- 
dred dollars the concurrence of the House shall be neces- 
sary 17 

Extracts from the executive journal shall not be given without 

an order of the Senate 23 

F. 

Floor of the Senate. Persons entitled to admission on the 18 33 1 



39 


— 


39 


— 


4 


g 


29 


2 


29 


g 


39 






INDEX TO THE RULES. 31 

Page. Rule. Clause. 

Galleries to be cleared and the doors closed, on discussing a ques- 
tion requiring secrecy. The Chair shall direct the 19 35 — 

General appropriation bills. All general appropriations bills 
shall be referred to the Committee on Appropriations 

except river and harbor 10 16 1 

To proceed to the consideration of, a privileged motion. .. 7 9 — 
Amendments to. No amendment shall be received which shall 
increase the appropriation, unless to carry out some exist- 
ing law, or resolution of the Senate, or by direction of a 
standing or select committee, or in pursuance of an esti- 
mate of the head of a Department 10 16 1 

All amendments proposing to increase an appropriation 
shall one day previous to being offered be referred to the 

Committee on Appropriations 10 16 2 

No amendment shall be proposed to an amendment in- 
creasing the amount in such amendment 10 16 2 

Amendments moved by direction of a committee shall be 

first referred to the Committee on Appropriations 10 16 2 

No amendment proposing general legislation, or that is not 
germane or relevant to the subject of the bill, shall be 

received 10 16 3 

No amendment to any item or clause that does not directly 

relate thereto shall be received 10 16 3 

All questions of relevancy of amendments shall be decided 

by the Senate and without debate 11-16 3 

No amendment providing for a private claim, unless to 

carry out a law or treaty stipulation, shall be received. . 11 16 4 
Any amendment to a general appropriation bill may be 

laid on the table 11 16 3 

General legislation to general appropriation bills. No amendment 

shall be admitted proposing 10 16 3 

General orders. (See Calendar.) 

Germane. No amendment to any general appropriation bill 

shall be offered which is not relevant or 10 16 3 

I. 

Impeachment, court of. Proceedings recorded 4 4 2 

Indefinite postponement. When a question is pending a motion 

may be made for 13 22 — 

Indian treaties shall, unless transmitted by the President in con- 
fidence, be acted upon in legislative session 21 37 3 

Injunction of secrecy. All confidential communications from the 
President, and all treaties, and remarks and proceedings 

thereon, are embraced within the 20 36 3 

All information given or remarks made by a Senator touch- 
ing the character or qualifications of a nominee, and all 

votes on a nomination, are within the 22 38 2 

A person nominated may be notified of charges made against 
him, but the name of the person making them shall not 
be disclosed 22 38 2 



32 INDEX TO THE RULES. 

Paee. Rule. Clause. 

Injunction of secrecy. A Senator disclosing the confidential or 

secret business of the Senate shall be liable to expulsion 20 36 4 
An officer of the Senate committing a like offense shall be 

dismissed and punished for contempt 20 36 4 



J. 

Journal. A quorum being present, the Journal of the previous 
day's session shall be read, and any mistake in the en- 
tries corrected 4 3 

The reading of the, shall not be suspended unless by unani- 
mous consent 4 3 

A motion to amend the Journal shall be deemed a privi- 
leged question and be proceeded with until disposed of.. 4 3 

The proceedings of the Seuate shall be briefly and accu- 
rately stated ou the 4 4 

Every vote of the Senate, and a brief statement of each 

memorial or paper presented, shall be entered on the ... 4 4 

The legislative, executive, aud impeachment proceedings 

of the Senate shall be each recorded in a separate 4 4 



Laid on the table. The preamble to a bill or resolution may. 

without carrying the bill or resolution, be 13 23 

A motion to reconsider may be laid on the table without 
carrying the subject, and shall be a final disposition 

thereof 

An amendment to a general appropriation bill may be 11 

An appeal from the decision of the Chair may be 12 

When a question is pending a motion may be made to lay 

on the table, which shall be decided without debate 13 

Leave to introduce a bill. May be ottered if no objection 9 

Leave of the Senate. A motion to reconsider shall not be with- 
drawn without 12 21 

>~ Senator shall absent himself from the service of the 

Senate without 4 5 

No Senator shall speak more thau twice on any one ques- 
tion on the same day without 11 19 

A Senator when called to order shall sit down and shall not 

proceed without 12 19 

.emorial or other paper, except original treaties, shall 

withdrawn without IT 30 

Legislative business. The legislative business of the Senate shall 
be continued from session to session of the same Con- 

2 — lr r'2 

The legislative proceedings of the Senate shall be recorded 

in a separate book 4 4 



13 


1 


13 


3 


20 


1 


22 





14 


1 



INDEX TO THE RULES. 33 

ni. 

Page. Rule. Clause 

Majority. A motion to reconsider a vote may be decided by a. 8 13 1 

All questions upon a treaty, except on the question of rati- 
fication, and on a motion to postpone ir definitely, shall 

bebya - 21 37 1 

Memorials and petitions shall be referred without putting the 

question 6 7 3 

Before being presented or read they shall be signed, and a 
brief statement of their contents shall be made 6 7 4 

Of foreign citizens or subjects shall not be received unless 

through the President 6 7 4 

Where an adverse report has been made they shall not be 

withdrawn, unless copies are left with the Secretary 18 30 2 

Where an adverse report has been agreed to they shall not 
be referred from the tiles, unless with uew evidence 18 31 — 

Shall not be withdrawn from the files without leave of the 

Senate 17 30 1 

When an act has passed for the settlement of a private 
claim, the Secretary may transmit the papers to the ac- 
counting-officers 17 30 1 

Merits of the question proposed to be considered. It shall not 

be in order to discuss the 6 7 2 

Messages from the President and from the House of Representa- 
tives may be received at any state of the business except. 16 28 1 

Messages to the House and communications to the Presi- 
dent shall be taken by the Secretary 17 28 2 

Morning business. Order in which it is laid before tbe Senate, 

after the Journal is read 5 7 1 

Until concluded, or until 1 o'clock, no motion to proceed 
to the consideration of any bill, resolution, &c, upon the 
Calendar shall be entertained unless by unanimous con- 
sent, and shall not be subject to amendment, and shall be 
decided without debate on the merits of the subject 5 7 2 

At the conclusion of the, for each day, unless otherwise 
ordered, the Calendar of bills and resolutions shall be 

proceeded with until 2 o'clock 6 8 — 

Morning hour. The order of business, which shall not be inter- 
rupted, unless by unanimous consent, prescribed 5 7 1 

No motion to proceed to the consideration of subjects on 
the Calendar shall be received, except by unanimous 

rcousent, during the 5 7 2 
A motion received by unanimous consent to take up a sub- 
ject shall not be open to amendment nor debate on the 
merits of the question 6 7 2 
What subjects shall be taken up during any remaining por- 
tion of the 5 7 1 
Motions. Before a motion shall be debated it shall, if required, 
be reduced to writing 12 21 1 
Which may be made when a question is under consideration ; 
the order and precedence of which 13 22 — 
3 S R 



34 INDEX TO THE RULES. 

Page. Rule. Clause. 

Motions. A motion or resolution may be withdrawn or modified 
before a division, amendment, or ordering of the yeas and 

nays 12 21 2 

Amotion to reconsider shall not be withdrawn without leave 

oftheSenate 12 21 2 

A motion to discharge a committee shall lie over one day 

for consideration, unless by unanimous consent 16 26 2 

N. 

Nominations. The question on their confirmation shall not be 
put on the same day on which they are received, nor on 
the day on which they may be reported 21, 22 38 1 

Discussions upon the character and qualifications of a nomi- 
nee and the votes upon a nomination shall be keep secret - 22 33 2 

The person nominated may be notified of charges against 
him, but the name of the party making them shall not be 
disclosed 22 38 2 

A motion to reconsider the vote ou a nomination may be 
made within two days of actual session 22 38 3 

Xotice of confirmation shall not be sent to the President 

until the expiration of two days of actual session 22 38 A 

When the President has been notified of a confirmation, a 
motion to reconsider must be accompanied by a request 
to the President to return the resolution of confirmation. 22 38 3 

A motion to reconsider the vote on a nomination may be 

laid on the table, which shall be final 22 38 3 

Upon an adjournment of Congress, or a recess of more than 
thirty days, all motions to reconsider shall fall, and the 
nominations stand as confirmed or rejected, as the case 
maybe 22 33 5 

Xot confirmed or rejected at one session shall not be con- 
sidered at the next session unless renominated 22 38 6 

Upon an adjournment of Congress, or on taking a re- 
cess of thirty days, all norainatious not finally acted upon 
shall be returned to the President 22 38 5 

O. 

Oaths of office. The oaths required by the Constitution and pre- 
scribed by law shall be taken and subscribed by Senators 
in open Senate before entering upon their duties 3 2 — 

Order of business. One hour next after the Journal is read shall 
be designated as the morning hour, during which no 
other business, except that prescribed, shall be taken up 

unless by unanimous consent 5 7 2 

At the conclusion of the morning business, unless other- 
wise ordered, the calendar of bills and resolutions shall 
be proceeded with until 2 o'clock 6 8 — 

Order in debate. "When a Senator shall be called to order, he 
shall sit down, and shall not proceed without leave of the 
Senate, which shall be determined without debate 12 19 2 



INDEX TO THE RULES. 35 

Page. Rule. Clause. 

Order in debate. No Senator shall speak to or interrupt another 
without his consent, to obtain which he shall first address 
'theChair 11 19 1 

If a Senator be called to order for words spoken in debate, 
the exceptionable words, if required, shall be taken 
down... ... 12 19 3 

The Presiding Officer shall name. the Senator who is to 
speak, who shall in all cases be the one who shall first 
address the Chair 11 19 1 

No Senator shall speak more than twice on any one ques- 
tion on the same day without leave of the Senate, to be 
determined without debate 11 19 1 

A motion to take up a subject shall not be open to debate 
on the merits of the subject proposed to be considered.. 5 7 2 
Order, questions of. A question of order may be raised at auy 

time, and shall be decided by the Chair, without debate.. 12 20 1 

An appeal may be taken from the decision of the Chair on 

a question of order 12 20 1 

The Chair may submit any question of order to the decis- 
ion of the Senate 12 20 2 

When an appeal is taken from the decision of the Chair, 
any subsequent question of order or appeal shall be de- 
cided without debate 12 20 1 

An appeal may be laid on the table, which shall be re- 
garded as sustaining the decision of the Chair . 12 20 1 

P. 

Papers. When the reading of a paper is called for, and objec- 
tion be made, it shall be submitted to the Senate without 
debate.. 7 11 — 

No papers, except original treaties, shall, without leave of 

the Senate, be withdrawn from its files 17 30 1 

When an act has passed for the settlement of a private 
claim, the Secretary may transmit the papers to the 
accounting-officers 17 30 1 

When a Claim has been adversely reported on, and the re- 
port be agreed to, the papers shall not be referred from 
the files without new evidence 18 31 — 

Where an adverse report has been made, papers shall not be 

withdrawn without leaving copies with the Secretary. 18 30 2 
Pending measure. Amendment proposed to any, is laid on the 
table without carrying the measure to the table or preju- 
dicing the same il 17 — 

Petitions, before being presented, must be signed, and a brief 

statement of their contents made 6 7 4 

Order in which the Chair shall call for, in the morning hour. 5 7 1 

No petition or other paper signed by citizens or subjects of 
a foreign power shall be received unless through the 
President 6 7 4 




36 INDEX TO THE SITU 

rage. Risle. Ctute. 

Horns. Et-: u shall be referred, of course, without 

pnt: _ l»e objection • T 

Plurality Beleel I the members of stand- 

ing committees (ea chairman) shall be elected 

by a 1 34 1 

Postpone indefinitely. When a question is pending, a motion 

ma-r 7 13 23 — 

Preamble to a resolution. The question shall be first put upon 

the resol ution and last on the preamble 13 23 " — 

To a resolution rm irawn before an amendment 

or ordering of The yeas and - Etna '- be laid 

on the table 13 23 — 

To a bill shall be lasf ::on and may also be laid 

on the Table 13 23 — 

Presiding Office e-Presi- 

denT. The B Loose a President pro tempore 3 11 

In The absence of The Vice-PresidenT and pending 

1 Secretary r in his 
absence The 11 perform the duties of the 

Chair 1 

He shall ha v-r to name a Senator to occupy the 

chair, who shall dot hold beyond an adjourn: pt_ 3 1 3 

The Presiding - stion of order 

without debate to an appeal to the Senate 1*2 20 1 

He may submit any question of order without decision to 

The Senate 12 Sf 

Printing. Every motion to pi rint bills, reports 
<>f com: omnmni State 
legislarnres and conventions, and print, made 
by direction of committees, shall be referred to the Com- 
mittee on 1" 29 1 

All reports of committees, unless for the dispatch of busi- 

» the printing be ith, shall be printed... 1? 29 3 

Morions to print additional numbers shall be referred to 

the Committee on 17 , 

When The cost of printing additional numbers shall exceed 

fiveh undred d ollars. it shall be by concurrent resolution . 1 ? 8 
: v bill, joint resolution, and report of committee shall 

be printed, unless 17 89 3 

Private oil I. May be referred To Court of Claims 10 15 3 

Private claim. No memorial or other paper shall be withdrawn 

from The hies without leave of the £ IT 30 1 

Where a private acT has passed. the Secret .ry may Trans- 

miT the papers to The officer charged witl -menT. 17 30 1 

No private claim, which has been rejected, shall be again 

referred from The hies withon 18 31 — 

Where an adv I has been made on a private claim, 

Thepapr ThdrawnwiThout leaving copies. 18 ?>*. 

amendment sball be proposed to any general appropri- 
ation bill le for a 11 16 4 



INDEX TO THE RULES. 



37 



Page. Rule. Clause. 

Private secretary of Senator shall only be admitted, to the floor 

except he is duly appointed to act as such by the Senator. 19 33 2 

Privileged motions, save as against a motion to adjourn, to pro- 
ceed to executive business, or questions of privilege, cer- 
tain, are, and shall be, decided without debate 7 9 — 

<*. 

Question of order shall be decided by the Chair, without debate, 

subject to an appeal to the Senate. Every 12 20 1 

The Chair may submit any question of order to the decision 

of the Senate 12 20 2 

When an appeal is taken from the decision of the Chair, 
any subsequent question of order or appeal shall be de- 
cided without debate 12 20 1 

An appeal from the decision of the Chair may be laid on 
the table, which shall be held to affirm the decision of 

the Chair 12 20 1 

)uestions of privilege. A motion to amend or correct the Journal 
shall be deemed a, and shall be proceeded with until dis- 
posed of 4 3 1 

When in order 5 6 1 

Certain privileged motions may be submitted 7 9 — 

Question under debate contains several points, any Senator m^y 

call for a division. If the 11 18 — 

But a motion to strike out and insert shall not be divided . . 11 18 — 
Question under debate. But, pending a motion to strike out and 
insert, each part shall be regarded as a question ; and the 
part to be stricken out shall be first open to amendment, 11 18 — 
Quorum. The journal of the proceedings of the preceding day 

shall be read, there being present a 4 3 1 

Shall consist of a majority of the Senators duly chosen and 
sworn 4 3 2 

The presence of a quorum being questioned, the Chair shall 

direct the roll to be called to ascertain the presence of a, 4 5 2 

A majority of the Senators present may request or compel 

the attendance of Senators to make a 4 5 3 

Pending the execution of the order requiring the presence 
of absent Senators, no debate or motion shall be in order 
but to adjourn 4 5 3 



Beading of a paper. When the reading of a paper is called for, 
and it be objected to, it shall be decided by the Senate 
without debate 7 

Recess. Pending the consideration of a question, a motion, which 

shall be decided without debate, may be made for a 13 

Becess of the Senate for more than thirty days. All nominations 

and motions to reconsider nominations shall fall upon a. 22 



11 — 



22 



38 



38 INDEX TO THE RULES. 

P:ige. Rule. Clause 

Reconsideration. A motion to reconsider may be made by any- 
one voting on the side that prevailed 8 13 1 

A motion to reconsider may be made within the two next 

daysof actualsession, and shall bedecided by a majority. 8 13 1 

When a bill or other matter shall have gone out of the pos- 
session of the Senate, the motion to reconsider shall be 
accompanied by a request for the return of the same 8 13 2 

Which last motion shall be determined at once and with- 
out debate 8 13 2 

If the Senate shall refuse to reconsider a vote, or upon con- 
sideration shall reaffirm its first decision, it shall not be 
in order to move to reconsider 8 13 1 

A motion to reconsider may be laid on the table without 
prejudice to the main question 8 13 1 

And if laid on the table, shall be a final disposition of the 

motion 8 13 1 

A motion to reconsider shall not be withdrawn without 
leave of the Senate 12 21 2 

Amotion to reconsider a vote on a nomination may be laid 

on the table, and shall be final 22 38 3 

A motion to reconsider a vote on a nomination returned to 
the President must be accompanied by a request for its 
return to the Senate 22 38 3 

Motions to reconsider nominations shall fall upon a recess 

of thirty days or on final adjournment 22 38 5 

Reduced to writing. Before a motion shall be debated it shall, if 

required, be 12 21 1 

Reference to a committee. A motion to refer sball not be open to 

amendment unless it be to add instructions 16 26 1 

A motion to refer to a standing committee shall have pre- 
cedence of a motion to refer to a select committee 16 26 1 

Every bill and joint resolution shall be read twice before. 9 14 3 

Before the final vote on the passage of a bill or resolution 

it shall be in order to move its 9 15 2 

Relevant to the subject-matter thereof. Noameudmeut shall be 
proposed to any general appropriation bill which shall 

not be germane or 10 16 3 

Reports of committees. The order in which they shall be called 

for by the Chair in the morning hour 5 7 1 

If objected to, the consideration of the report of a commit- 
tee shall lie over one day 16 26 2 

All reports of committees shall be printed, unless for the 

dispatch of business the printing be dispensed with 17 29 3 

Reports of committees of conference shall always be in order, and 
when made the question of their consideration shall be 

immediately put and decided without debate 16 27 — 

Resolutions. The order in which they shall be called for by the 

Chair in the morning hour 5 7 1 

Not objected to, to be taken up in their order 6 8 — 



INDEX TO THE RULES. 39 

Page. Rule. Clause. 

Resolutions. When accompanied by a preamble, the question 
shall be first put on the resolution, then on the preamble, 
which may be withdrawn or laid on the table 13 '23 — 

A resolution may be withdrawn or modified by the mover 
before an amendment or ordering of the yeas and nays. 12 21 2 

A resolution to pay money out of the contingent fund shall 

be referred to the Committee on Contingent Expenses.. 14 25 1 

All resolutions shall, if their consideration be objected to, 

lie over one day 9 14 5 

Revenue bills, to proceed to the consideration of, a privileged 

motion 7 9 — 

Rules. No motion to suspend, modify, or amend any rule, ex- 
cept on one day's notice in writing 23 40 — 

Any rule may be suspended without notice by unanimous 

consent, except 23 40 — 

But no motion shall be in ord«r to suspend the rule 12, in 

respect to voting 23 40 — 



Secrecy. The galleries shall be cleared and the doors closed on 

the discussion of a question that may require 19 35 

All confidential communications from the President, and all 
treaties and debates and proceedings thereon, shall be 

kept secret 20 36 

All matters touching the character and qualifications of a 
nomination and all votes and proceedings thereon shall 

be kept secret 22 

A Senator disclosing the confidential or secret business of 

the Senate shall be liable to expulsion 20 

An officer of the Senate committing a like offense shall be 

dismissed and punished for a contempt 20 

Secretary of Senate. When to perform duties of the Chair 3 

To keep record of certificates of election of Senators 5 

Senate Chamber. Shall not be granted for any other purpose 

than for the use of the Senate 19 

Senators. Not to absent themselves from the service of the 

Senate without leave 4 

Not to speak but once, and for five minutes only, on bills 

and resolutions on the calendar not objected to 6 8 — 

Special orders. The unfinished business shall take precedence 

ofthe 7 10 1 

Consideration of the Calendar of bills and resolutions at the 
conclusion of morning business until 2 o'clock takes 

precedence of 6 8 — 

Any subject may be made a special order by a vote of two- . 

thirds 7 10 1 

Unless there be unfinished business, the Chair shall lay be- 
fore the Senate the 7 10 1 



38 


2 


36 


4 


36 
1 

6 


4 

2 
2 


34 


1 


5 


1 



40 INDEX TO THE RULES. 

Page. Knle. Clause. 

Special orders. Special orders for the same hour and day shall 
have precedence according to the time at which they 

were made snch 7 10 2 

Special orders shall not lose their character as such unless 

by a vote of the Senate 7 10 2 

Every special order shall, unless there be unfinished busi- 
ness, be called np when the hour assigued shall arrive.. 7 10 1 

Speak more than twice in anyone debate on the same day with- 
out leave of the Senate. No Senator shall 11 19 1 

Speak. The Presiding Officer shall name who is to speak, but 

the Senator first rising shall in all cases first 11 19 1 

Suspension of the rules. One day's notice in writing required to 

suspend, amend, or modify any rule of the Senate, except. 23 40 — 

Suspension of the rules. The 12th rule in relation to voting 

shall never, under any circumstances, be suspended 23 40 — 



Table. An amendment to a general appropriation bill may be 

laid on the 11 16 3 

A motion to reconsider may be laid on the 8 13 1 

And if carried shall be held to be a final disposition of the 

motion 8 13 1 

When an amendment proposed to any pending measure is 

laid on the, it shall not carry Avith ir, or prejudice, such 

measure 11 17 — 

When a question is pending a motion may be made to lay 

on the, which shall be decided without debate 13 22 — 

Preamble of a bill or resolution may be withdrawn or laid 

on the, without prejudice to the bill or resolution 13 23 — 

An appeal from the decision of the Chair may be laid on 

the 12 20 

If laid on the table it shall be held as affirming the decis- 
ion of the Chair 12 20 1 

All resolutions, reports of committees, motions to discharge 

a committee, and subjects from which a committee may 

be discharged, shall lie over one day for consideration.. 16 26 2 
Treaties. When a treaty is laid before the Senate no motion 

shall be made in reference to it but to refer orto print it. 20 37 
A treaty shall not be considered on the same day that it is 

reported, if objected to 20 37 

After being acted upon as in Committee of the Whole it 

shall be reported to the Senate 21 37 

When the question will be, if amended, on concurring in 

the amendments made in Committee of the Whole 21 37 

After which the resolution of ratification may be proposed 

on a subsequent day 21 37 

When the question shall be on the resolution of ratification 

no amendment shall be in order 21 37 



INDEX TO THE RULES. 41 

Page Rule. Clause. 

Treaties. The question of ratification and amotion to postpone 

indefinitely shall each require a vote of two-thirds 21 37 1 

All amendments and other motions may he decided hy a 

majority 21 37 1 

Shall he resumed at the second or any subsequent session 

of the same Congress, at the stage when last acted upon. 21 37 2 
When proceedings shall terminate with a Congress they 

shall he resumed de novo 21 37 2 

Indian treaties shall, unless transmitted hy the President 

in confidence, he acted upon in legislative session 21 37 3 

U. 

Unanimous consent. The reading of the Journal may be sus- 
pended hy 4 3 1 

Until the business of the morning hour is concluded, no 
motion to proceed to any other subject shall be received, 
unless by 5 7 2 

After a decision is announced, a Senator may change or 
withdraw his vote by 8 12 1 

When the Senate shall refuse to reconsider a vote, or re- 
affirm its first decision, no motion to reconsider can be 
received, but by 8 13 1 

Each bill shall receive three readings before passage on 

three different days, unless by 9 14 2 

A bill may be read twice for reference, but not considered 

as in Committee of the Whole, nor debated, unless by. .. 9 14 3 

No amendment shall be proposed to a bill on its third 
reading, unless by 9 15 2 

All resolutions shall lie over one day, unless by 9 14 5 

All resolutions, reports of committees, motions to discharge 
a committee, and subjects from which a committee may 
be discharged, shall lie over one day, unless by 16 26 2 

No rule of the Senate can be suspended without notice, un- 
less by, except Rule 12 23 40 — 

Treaties shall not be acted upon on the day on which they 

are reported, unless by 20 37 1 

Resolution of ratification shall not be considered on the 

same day it is proposed, unless by 21 37 1 

Nominations shall not be confirmed on the day they are 
received, or on which reported, unless by 22 38 1 

Order of morning business only changed by 5 7 1 

Unfinished business, which shall be the business upon which the 
Senate is engaged at its adjournment, shall be laid be- 
fore the Senate at the expiration of the morning hour 
and have preference over the special orders - - 7 10 1 

Consideration of the calendar of bills and resolutions at 
the conclusion of the morning business, until 2 o'clock, 
takes precedence of 6 8 — 



42 INDEX TO THE RULES. 

Page. Rule. Clause. 

Unfinished business of a session. The legislative business of the 
Senate shall be continued from session to session of the 
same Congress 18 32 — 



Vacancies in committees, when filled by the Presiding Officer, 
shall, unless otherwise ordered, be only to fill up the 

number ou the committee 14 24 2 

Vice-President. In the absence of the Vice-President, the Sen- 
ate shall choose a President pro tempore 3 1 1 

In the absence of the. and pending the election of a Presi- 
dent pro tempore, the Secretary, or, in his alienee, the 

Chief Clerk, shall perform the duties of the Chair 3 1 2 

Voting. When the yeas and nays are called, each Senator shall, 
unless excused from voting, answer when his name is 
called without debate 8 12 1 

Proceedings, when a Senator shall be called on for reasons 

for declining to vote, shall be without debate 8 12 2 

Further proceedings shall not be had until after the result 

is announced 8 12 2 

A Senator shall not be permitted to vote after the result is 

announced 8 12 1 

But he may, for special reasons, by unanimous consent, 

withdraw or change his vote 8 12 1 

W. 

Withdrawal of a motion or resolution. A resolution or motion 
may be withdrawn at any time before amendment or or- 
dering of the yeas and nays 12 21 2 

Preamble to a resolution may be withdrawn before amend- 
ment or ordering of the yeas and nays 13 23 — 

A motion to reconsider shall not be withdrawn without 

leave of the Senate 12 21 2 

Withdrawal of papers. No papers except original treaties shall 

be withdrawn from the files without leave of the Senate. 17 30 1 

Where an act has passed for a private claim, the papers 
may be sent by the Secretary to the accounting officers. 17 30 1 

No petition on which an adverse report has been made shall 
be withdrawn without leaving copies 18 30 2 

Claims adversely reported on shall not he again referred 

without new evidence 18 31 — 

Without debate. In ascertaining the presence of a quorum, the 

proceedings shall be 4 5 2 

Sergeant-at-Arms maybe directed to request or compel at- 
tendance of absent Senators 4 5 3 

The reading a paper w T hen objected to sli.ill l»e <lecided 7 11 — 

A motion to request House of Representatives to return a 

bill shall be decided at once, and .. 8 13 2 



INDEX TO THE RULES. 43 

Page. Rule. Clause. 

Without debate. All questions of relevancy of amendments under 

rule 16 shall be decided 11 16 3 

A motion to permit a Senator to proceed in order shall be 

decided 12 19 2 

A motion for leave to speak more than twice in one debate 
shall be decided 11 19 1 

All questions of order shall be decided by the Chair 12 20 1 

Subseq uent questions of order and appeals shall be decided . 12 20 1 

Motions to adjourn, for a recess, for executive business, and 

to lay on the table shall be decided 13 22 — 

A motion to proceed to consideration of a conference re- 
port shall be decided 16 27 — 

Each Senator when the yeas and nays are called shall, 

when his name is called, answer 8 12 1 

Reasons for excusing a Senator from voting shall be deter- 
mined . 8 12 2 

Words spoken in debate, if required, shall be taken down in 

writing. Exceptionable 12 19 3 

y. 

Yeas and nays. Each Senator shall, when his name is called, 

answer openly and without debate 8 12 1 

A Senator may be required to assign reasons for not voting, 

which shall be without debate 8 12 2 

He shall not be called on for reasons for not voting until 
after the roll-call and before the result of the vote is an- 
nounced 8 12 2 

Other proceedings shall be after such announcement 8 12 2 

A Senator shall not be permitted to vote after the result is 

announced 8 12 1 

For special reasons, by unanimous consent, he may with- 
draw or change his vote 8 12 1 

Any motion or resolution may be withdrawn or modified 
by the mover at anytime before a decision, amendment, 
or ordering of the 12 21 2 



IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, 



• 



STANDING RULES 



CONDUCTING BUSINESS 



SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 



REPORTED BY 



THE COMMITTEE ON RULES 



January 11, 1884.— Adopted by tlie Senate, and to go into 
eti'ect January 21, 1884'.. 



Z*n*. 






WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1884. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



021 051 423 5 



1 I 



n 



